As temperatures plummet, a Cambridge green energy expert has given his top tips for keeping your home warm this winter.

Peter Thom is the founder of Green Heat (Photo: Warren Gunn)

Peter Thom is founder of Green Heat, a leading energy efficiency firm which has been helping reduce energy wastage for the last 25 years. He says the firm has helped customers save 800,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide for its clients during that time.

"Making your home energy efficient will significantly reduce fuel bills and carbon emissions," he said. "84% of energy used in the home is from heating and hot water, which accounts for about 70% of domestic carbon emissions.

"The Energy Saving Trust states that heating accounts for about 60% of what you spend in a year on energy bills, so an efficient boiler makes a big difference."

Here are Peter's top energy saving advice

• Upgrading to the most efficient boiler will cut emissions, help the environment - and add value to your home.

Picking a good boiler is key

• The latest high efficiency ‘A’ rated gas condensing combination boilers can achieve system efficiencies close to 100 per cent and savings of hundreds of pounds a year.

• An accompanying flue gas heat recovery heats up the hot water supply quickly and use significantly less energy.

Keeping warm can be tricky as temperatures drop

• Zoned heating controls with thermostatic radiator valves enable you to control the temperature room by room, which avoids heating whole sections of the house when they’re not being used.

• Smart heating controls can add a further 4% efficiency and allow you to control your heating from your smart phone or tablet when you’re away from home.

• Insulation is a simple and effective way to keep heat in and reduce fuel bills. Draught-proofing windows and doors could save you almost £30 a year. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that 46 per cent of households still haven't done this.

• If you own a home, getting an energy performance survey done can help you identify ways to save money on your energy bills and improve the comfort and value of your home.

• Always check your heating engineer is Gas Safe registered. Never assume they are qualified or competent to fit, fix or service any boiler or heating system. Using an accredited engineer will give you complete confidence and peace of mind that the work will be done competently by a trusted professional to the highest standard.